Organizational Leadership and Development, B.S.
The B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Development under the new Learn and Earn in 3 (LE3) model is an accelerated degree program designed for working adults. The Learn and Earn in 3 (LE3) Model at NLU is an innovative higher education approach designed to integrate full-time work experience with academic learning, enabling students to earn the B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Development in as little as 2.5-3 years. Recognizing the financial and time constraints many students face, LE3 offers a work-integrated curriculum where students earn college credit each quarter for their professional experience. AI-powered learning enhances the program by providing personalized, adaptive coursework, ensuring mastery of critical skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving. By aligning with employer needs and maximizing federal and state financial aid, LE3 significantly reduces the cost of obtaining a degree while equipping students with marketable skills for long-term career growth.
Unlike traditional academic pathways, LE3 allows students to gain real-world experience while studying, ensuring that every lesson is immediately applicable to their careers. Students can enter the program through NLU’s Accelerate U program, an industry-focused training program, or directly if they have a full-time job. With AI-driven support, asynchronous coursework, and structured community discussions, LE3 provides the flexibility needed for students to balance work, education, and family responsibilities.
Program Details
Program Level Requirements
- Requires 180 QH, including 60 QH of General Education, for completion
- Requires full-time employment to participate in the program
- Requires completion of all courses in the program at NLU with a grade of "C" or better
- All major coursework (ORG) must be taken at NLU as part of the LE3 program. These courses are designed around active learning, leadership development, and work-based application, which cannot be replicated through transfer.
- Students with outstanding degree requirements, regardless of their major or the number of transfer credits awarded, must register for a Professional Seminar each additional quarter of enrollment until they have completed all degree requirements or a total of 45 QH of Professional Seminars is reached. The PFS courses are essential to the LE3 model and include:
- On-the-job reflection and integration
- Coaching and mentorship
- Evidence-building for student portfolio
- General Education and Electives
- Transfer students who have previously completed a Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s of Arts or Science at an accredited 2 or 4-year institution, or the IAI general education core at another Illinois college or university are not required to take required core general education courses. Those students may transfer up to 115 QH toward LE3 general education and elective requirements.
- Students who did not complete the credentials required for the General Education Core waiver but have transfer credits will have their coursework reviewed for general education and elective applicability.
Organizational Leadership and Development Major
- The major allows a maximum of 30 QH of transfer credit that may be accepted toward the general education and program electives.
- The major requires a minimum of 45 QH of Professional Seminar
Organizational Leadership and Development (Accelerated) Major
- The major allows a maximum of 115 QH of transfer credit that may be accepted toward the general education and program electives.
- The major requires a minimum of 20 QH of Professional Seminar.
Program Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the program, students will be able to:
1. Exhibit proficiency in durable skills by integrating academic knowledge with real-world work experiences, solving complex organizational problems, and creating an Experiential Learning Portfolio showcasing mastery of these skills.
2. Employ the ability to connect work experience and academic knowledge to community initiatives, and provide evidence of the impact on local, state, and global communities.
3. Apply leadership theories and ethical principles in real-world organizational settings.
4. Analyze the alignment between personal efforts and the objectives of the workplace or community.
5. Engage in continuous self-assessment and career development by setting and achieving personal and professional growth goals, leveraging technology to enhance productivity, and adapting to changing work environments with resilience and creativity.
6. Demonstrate flexibility and resilience by responding to new challenges and changes in the workplace using creative, data-driven, and theory-informed strategies.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the Undergraduate admission requirements, the following criteria apply to the program:
- Full-time employment is required to participate in LE3. Students who are actively seeking employment and have a part-time employment status will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- All applicants must submit any previous transcripts from other accredited institutions at time of application.
Organizational Leadership and Development Admission Requirements
Open to applicants with up to 30 quarter hours of transferable college-level credit
Organizational Leadership and Development (Accelerated) Admission Requirements
Open to applicants with greater than 30 quarter hours of transferable college-level credit
Required Courses
General Education Requirements
| ENG 250 | Write with Impact: Clarity, Confidence, and Authenticity | 5 |
| ENG 255 | Public Speaking and Presence: Inspire with Confidence | 5 |
| HUM 150 | Ethical Dilemmas in Leadership: Navigating Real-World Challenges | 5 |
| HUM 155 | Thinking Critically: Cutting Through Complexity | 5 |
| HUM 250 | Creativity at Work: Art, Culture & Innovation | 5 |
| MTH 150 | Data Literacy: Turning Numbers into Stories and Insights | 5 |
| PSY 150 | The Human Side of Change: Unlocking Dynamics for Growth | 5 |
| SCI 250 | Nature's Blueprint for Leadership: Adaptation and Resilience | 5 |
| SCI 255 | Climate & Strategy: Leading with the Planet in Mind | 5 |
| SOC 155 | Building Collaborative Cultures: Organizational Design and Behavior | 5 |
| SOC 255 | Leadership Through Storytelling | 5 |
| RES 150 | Writing with Evidence: Research, Rhetoric, and Perspective | 5 |
Major Requirements
Major Core- 45 QH
| ORG 101 | Foundations of Personal Leadership | 5 |
| ORG 105 | Communicate with Impact: Listening, Tone, and Adaptability | 5 |
| ORG 110 | Chaos & Wisdom: Tackle the Messy Stuff | 5 |
| ORG 200 | Lateral Leadership Influence Without Authority | 5 |
| ORG 205 | Collaborate and Resolve Conflict Effectively | 5 |
| ORG 300 | Team Leadership: Building and Motivating High-Performing Teams | 5 |
| ORG 305 | Inclusive Leadership: Navigating Power Dynamics | 5 |
| ORG 400 | Innovation in Action: Disruptive Thinking to Design Thinking | 5 |
| ORG 405 | From Ideas to Impact: Keeping the Innovation Pipeline Flowing | 5 |
Professional Seminar
Organizational Leadership and Development Major: Students entering the program with 30 quarter hours (QH) or fewer of transfer credit must complete 45 QH of Professional Seminar (PFS) Courses
Organizational Leadership and Development (Accelerated) Major: Students entering the program with 31 or more QH of transfer credit are required to take
PFS 100,
PFS 101,
PFS 200,
PFS 201. After these 20 QH of PFS are met, students are required to enroll in a PFS course during every additional quarter of program enrollment up until 45 QH, regardless of the number of transfer credits awarded.
Program Electives
Students who completed an Accelerate U certificate program will receive 25-30 SH of elective credit for their Accelerate U course work. Students may also take PFS 402 which may be repeated up to three times after the ninth quarter.
Total Credit Hours: 180